Xcel Energy is facing at least 3 lawsuits stemming from the Marshall Fire that destroyed more than a thousand Boulder County homes in late 2021. Investigators recently determined the utility likely started one of the 2 fires that merged into that mega-fire, the most destructive in state history…
(Marshall Fire Controversy Continues wrap :55)
On a body camera recording from investigators afterward, Xcel tried to convince them it wasn’t involved…
230706 body cam sound :07 Q:…equipment did not…
That was from a meeting last October, where Xcel attempted to make its case to fire investigators. Paul Way was in the room that day, helping Boulder County figure out how the fire started. He concluded that part of a power line came loose, and the wire meant to hold it in place hit another part of the line. That sent molten metal down onto dry brush, starting a fire…
230706 P Way- it was hot metal :15 Q:…to my conclusions…
Xcel disagrees with him. At that same meeting, the utility claimed the damage Way saw was from before the day of the Marshall Fire. But when investigators asked for more information, Xcel claimed that would be “very difficult to produce.”
TAG– Way says Xcel is ignoring evidence. He adds that the utility could’ve taken better safety precautions.